United Nations (TDI): Pakistan has called for putting “front and centre” financial justice that includes debt relief for developing nations among the priorities of the upcoming Second World Social Summit in Doha, Qatar, as part of a decisive move to build a more just world.
“An inclusive, just and equitable global financial architecture is necessary for utilizing resources for social development,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, alternate permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told the Commission for Social Development — one of the 8 functional commissions established by the UN Economic and Social Council since 1946 to advise and assist it in carrying its work.
The Doha summit scheduled to be held from November 4 to 6, 2025 aims to address the persistent gaps in social development, recommit to the objectives outlined in the 1995 Copenhagen Declaration and Programme of Action, and accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“Developing nations face a paradox in implementing the 2030 Agenda. While they strongly committed to inclusive social development, they lack economic and structural resources,” Ambassador Asim Ahmad said, while participating in a panel discussion at the 2025 session of the Commission.
He said that the Doha summit must serve as a turning point and it must move beyond aspirations and bring tangible results to bridge the growing social divide.
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At the outset, the Pakistani envoy expressed concern that the core commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration had remained largely unfulfilled, noting that in 2024 the number of extremely poor was estimated at 692 million worldwide; and around 65 percent of the world population lives in countries where income inequality is growing; and in states for which data exist, 57 percent of people report having low trust in policies impacting social integration and inclusion.
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As social cohesion is indispensable for growth and sustainable development, Ambassador Asim Ahmad said.
He added that Pakistan’s national development aligns with the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration — prioritizing poverty eradication, employment generation, and social inclusion.
